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What is depression?
What is depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. Many people confuse it with sadness, but depression is much more severe. It’s a mood disorder that affects how people feel, think and handle daily life.
The symptoms of sadness and depression may seem similar. But people who are diagnosed with depression often don’t feel any joy. At some point, it may cause them to:
Grow tired, weary or restless
Feel a sense of hopelessness
Withdraw from family and friends
Eat more or less than usual, leading to unplanned weight gain or loss
Without seeking help, depression can invade every part of a person’s life, making their senior years more challenging.
For most people, depression is triggered by more than one factor. It could have something to do with a person’s genetics or brain chemistry. Or other experiences, like how they were treated growing up. Gender can also play a role. Some studies show that women are more likely to develop depression than men.
Other common causes of depression in seniors include:
Poor physical health. Medical conditions can change the way your body works and lead to depression. Some conditions, like arthritis or reduced mobility, can make it harder for you to manage by yourself. It can mean that you need to ask for more help from other people.
Repeated loss. Older people tend to experience intense periods of loss as they get older. This can include the loss of a partner, family or friends who pass away. It can also involve the loss of their health or independence.
Loneliness. Social isolation is another common trigger for depression in seniors. The cause can be due to their children moving away. Or them moving from home to somewhere else, like a nursing or retirement center. This increase in time spent alone may lead to depression.
Depression can look different in seniors, and symptoms are often mistaken for a natural part of aging. You should seek help if:
You have three or more symptoms
Your symptoms last for more than two weeks
- Your symptoms interfere with daily living
Common signs and symptoms
Memory problems and confusion
Social withdrawal and not wanting to be around other people
Loss of pleasure
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Vague complaints of pain
Trouble sleeping
Feelings of anger or frustration, especially over small things
Demanding behavior
Change in personality
Delusions or hallucinations
Thoughts of self-harm
The first step you can take is to speak to someone you trust, like your doctor or primary care provider.
They may want to examine you, since certain medical conditions can mimic signs of depression. Learn about depression and anxiety and their symptoms.
Your doctor can also refer you to a licensed mental health counselor. If you prefer not to meet in person, a counselor may be able to help you via phone or video.
Whether you meet in person or online, the first line of treatment for depression is typically psychotherapy, or “talk therapy.” Your therapist can also decide whether medication is right for you. Remember, depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It is highly treatable so it’s important to take that first step and ask for help.
What can you do to feel better?
What can you do to feel better?
Making lifestyle changes as you age is also important to preventing or managing depression. You’ll want to focus on these 4 areas:
Nutrition
Exercise
Relaxation
Sleep habits
Eat well. Eating a healthy, balanced diet may help you avoid illnesses that can bring on disability or depression.
Move your body. Exercise helps your brain stay active. If you’re immobile, consider a chair yoga class or water aerobics.
Relax. Staying relaxed during the day helps nighttime sleep. So try meditation, prayer, yoga or even dancing.
Get enough sleep. Most adults should aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.
Join support groups. They may be helpful for people who are disabled or homebound. Community or church groups can come to you and provide social connection.
Prepare for major life changes. Plan for retirement or how you are going to spend your time.
Stay in touch. Talk with family or friends and let them know when you feel sad.
Increasing signs of depression can also mean a higher suicide risk. These include:
Threats or talk of harming themselves or others
Talking about feeling hopeless, being a burden to others or having no reason to live
Giving away their things
Making a will or funeral plans
Buying a weapon
- Sudden cheerfulness or calm after a phase of depression
Do you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care about? If you do, you’re not alone. And help is just one step away. You can:
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line
Call 911 for emergency services
Go to the nearest hospital emergency room